Overcoming Fear of Intimacy

Self-condemning behaviors and attitudes are often passed from parents to children. These messages often block true intimacy between adult couples. For example, shortly after John married Sally, he passionately told her one night he loved her long, blonde hair, especially when it was flowing over her shoulders. John confessed he especially liked her locks just after they made love.The next day, Sally went to the beauty shop and had her hair cut short. When John saw it, he was shocked and felt like a rug had been pulled from under him. He felt anger start to rise, but then saw how pleased Sally was with the new hairdo. He said nothing, but he felt distanced from her.Later, Sally recalled that as a child her mother frequently told her that she was quiet and ugly. That message stuck with her into adulthood. John's passionate admiration clashed with the deeply instilled message, so Sally set out to maintain her unflattering image by cutting her cherished hair.

Inheriting Attitudes From Parents

In a child's mind, the parent is always perfect, so children may blame themselves for parental faults and weaknesses. Children can pick up negative attitudes about themselves and how their parents treat one another.Those attitudes may contribute to an adult's self-image. Often, a child will hear and adopt her mother or father's opinions and continue venting them for a lifetime. Messages commonly passed on to girls may include:

All men want is sex.

Men do not have feelings; they are always unfaithful.

Men will not let you have your own views about anything.

You have got to make a man feel special.

Messages commonly passed on to boys include:

All women are overly emotional.

Women are fragile and sensitive; you must be careful what you say to them.

It is a man's job to make a woman feel good. If you cannot, you are a failure.

Women always want more than you can give.

Choosing a Mate

When a child who has heard these messages becomes an adult and selects a mate, that mate often resembles a parent or other significant caregiver. That happens because the person, and his or her personality, are familiar.The cure and eventual intimacy comes when couples start to see their parents realistically as flawed humans with faults and weaknesses, as well as strengths. The next step is to use the same insights on their mates and themselves.

Letting the Beliefs Out

Getting closer may begin by disclosing negative attitudes and deeply held beliefs. For instance, when Sally got her hair cut short, she could reveal how her family considered her the ugly one. John might disclose that he still puts women on a pedestal and cannot direct anger toward them because he idealized his mother.

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Increasing the Intimacy

Another school of thought says that couples can become closer by celebrating the differences between them. Some tips for celebrating differences include:

Remember, the other person is not you. Your partner's behavior, attitudes and feelings are just as valid as yours.

Be curious, not furious. Teaching your partner about yourself can help get into the deeper meaning of a person's behavior.

Be willing to receive love and compliments. Too many people have learned to feel undeserving.

Open up. When you talk about your current fears, anxiety, or upsets, you are being intimate.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.